Russian Gas Pipeline Explodes Northwest Of Moscow

MOSCOW (Reuters) -- A trunk pipeline carrying natural gas has exploded in the Russian region of Tver, the Emergency Situations Ministry said, the latest in a series of pipe blasts testifying to Russia's antiquated energy infrastructure.

The explosion on the Torzhok-Ukhta-2 trunk pipeline, which provides gas to Russia's northern regions, occurred at around 9:35 a.m. Moscow time (0535 GMT). No injuries have been reported, a ministry spokesman said.

"We have extinguished the resulting fire. Efforts to replace the damaged section of the pipeline are now under way," the spokesman said.

Russian gas-export monopoly Gazprom, which controls the trunk pipelines, declined to comment on the incident.

On May 10, a gas-pipe explosion in Moscow sent flames 100 meters into the air and set buildings and cars ablaze, highlighting the need for Russia to renew infrastructure largely inherited from the Soviet Union.